Developing civic service with a teen corps
Abstract
Middle and high school students are searching for ways to contribute to their communities and their nation. The Teen Freedom Corps (TFC) provides a means for teens to channel their civic energies. Inspired by the USA Freedom Corps, the Teen Freedom Corps was officially launched after a countywide conference at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, New Jersey, on April 12, 2002. Lynn Feldman of Northern Highlands Regional High School submitted this effective practice in March 2002.Issue
Middle and high school students seek ways to answer the president's call to volunteerism to help "foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility."Action
The Teen Freedom Corps (TFC) is committed to encouraging, coordinating, and recognizing high school student leaders as civic and community service participants. A Teen Freedom Corps chapter can be implemented in any high school. Steps to take in the areas of planning, core programs, requirements, and other activities include:
Planning
Five students and one faculty or administrative advisor who pledges to implement the Four Core Teen Freedom Corps (TFC) Programs are required to form a chapter. Applications can be sent via the Teen Freedom Corps website. Applicants will receive information and a charter that officially recognizes their program.
Programs
The Four Core Programs:
- Honoring Community Heroes
- Organizing FirstVote
- Hosting a Community Service Fair
- Facilitating Teen Leadership Training Programs
Honoring Community Heroes. Prior to applying for membership in the TFC, the students review the guidelines provided for by the "My Hero" website so they may name their chapter in honor of one or more heroes of their choosing. An appropriate hero might be found anywhere on campus or in the local community. This may be an annual award or done on a case-by-case basis.
FirstVote Program. At the beginning of each school year, the TFC chapter finds out about current voter registration procedures and acquires whatever forms are necessary for registration. The TFC members publicize registration of eligible students from 6-8 weeks prior to an election by putting up posters, having announcements read over the school's PA system, and posting notices. If possible the students can acquire a list of all those who will turn 18 by the date of the election and use this list to notify qualified students. The registration process is handled either by students or by the chapter advisor, depending on school and state regulations.
TFC students prepare a non-partisan brochure on the issues and candidates using League of Women Voter materials or materials from the "Project Vote Smart." This brochure also informs students where and how to vote. Prior to the election, all registered students receive a "FirstVote" certificate that must be signed by the polling official on Election Day. Students return the certificate and receive either a free breakfast or lunch or after school snack sponsored by the TFC chapter.
The TFC chapter may alternately choose to utilize the Close Up Foundations First Vote Program, in conjunction with their own program.
Hosting a community service fair. Each fall the TFC chapter finds as many service organizations as can be accommodated in its gym or cafeteria. A special assembly is held where students can hear about the reasons for service and the organizations that are looking for student volunteers. Afterwards a schedule is established where each student has the opportunity to speak to the service representatives and, if they choose, sign up to serve with a particular organization.
Facilitating Teen Leadership Training Programs. At the high school where TFC had its beginnings (Northern Highlands), these seminars have been held in August for student activity and athletic leaders. Faculty, students, and staff have all volunteered their time to speak on topics such as appropriate sportsmanship behavior; character education; training rules; how to respond under stress and pressure; leadership of peers; commitment and loyalty to the school and team; zero tolerance policies towards drinking, smoking and drugs; an acceptable work ethic and sense of discipline; and the role of student leaders.
Requirements
- Students in the TFC are required to complete 150 hours of community service — 10 percent of which should be dedicated to civic service — to earn a certificate; otherwise students may participate in as few or as many hours as they would like.
- The Civic Service Requirement can be met by participation in FirstVote for 4 years.
- Each chapter of the TFC can create their own programs in addition to the Four Core TFC Programs to help meet the 10 percent civic service requirements.
- The faculty advisor assists members in instituting the Four Core TFC Programs and aiding them in their search for a service program that is compatible with their interests.
- The advisor is also responsible for helping students create a TFC Community Council of local adults who can help the group in its efforts; for example this group of adults may give advice on how to accomplish a project.
- TFC members also mentor middle and elementary school students so that they may join in service activities, such as drives for food and other supplies for those in need.
Context
The Teen Freedom Corps began as a result of the a mini-grant from PBS Channel 13' s Teen Leadership Institute received by four Northern Highlands Regional High School students and their advisor in Allendale, New Jersey.
After its inception in January 2002, participants were primarily involved in planning the organization and the countywide conference that was held on April 12, 2002. The conference was highly publicized and it was covered by both MSNBC (Channel 13, WNET, New York) and the news program "Dateline."
Since then, emphasis has shifted to engaging other high schools across the nation in joining and refining the program that was created in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Outcome
- This can be a good opportunity for schools that already have a successful peer leadership group to integrate these under one TFC chapter for greater coherence, strength and success, or to initiate new programs.
- The TFC website is an online location where a school's fundraising events can be shared with other community service oriented teens, who can view the posting and be able to respond and join in the activity in whatever way they can help.
- Individuals who are looking for others to join in a service project can do an online query to get other teens to respond.
- Information is shared about successful projects.
- Combining forces under the TFC banner ensures better publicity for teens doing service-related activities.
- The community council portion of the program fosters intergenerational community ties as adults and teens serve together on important community issues.
- Annual nationwide conferences are being planned where teens will be able to share ideas and best practices.
Evidence
Since its beginning in January 2002, The Teen Freedom Corps has already received praise from the White House, and has also received letters and commendations from many public officials and service organizations.
As of January 2003, The Teen Freedom Corps has chapters in nine states.
Posted On
January 14, 2003For More Information